Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Table of Contents
As I stand in my kitchen, the familiar scent of buffalo sauce envelopes me, instantly transporting me back to Sunday afternoons spent with my family. The crackle of the oven and the warmth of the kitchen remind me of the simple joys of home-cooked meals. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that combines the zesty kick of buffalo wings with the cozy comfort of homemade meatballs. These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not just a dish; they’re a little piece of nostalgia wrapped in a spicy, savory punch.
What I love about this recipe is how it brings people together. Whether it’s a game day with friends or a casual family dinner, these meatballs have a way of making every moment feel special. Their tantalizing aroma fills the home with an inviting warmth, making everyone gather around the table eager to dig in. Plus, they’re a breeze to make, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen. The ingredients are straightforward and approachable, ensuring that even the most novice cook can whip up something delightful and impressive. And let’s not forget the health benefits of using lean ground chicken – a lighter alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. So, let’s dive into why these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs deserve to be your new household favorite.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs bring a unique twist to traditional dishes, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or a comforting family meal. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
Bursting with Flavor: Each meatball is packed with the tangy, spicy goodness of buffalo sauce, perfectly complemented by savory chicken and aromatic spices. The harmony of these flavors creates a taste sensation that lingers on your palate, leaving you craving more with every bite.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley are often already in your kitchen, making it easy to prepare this dish without a last-minute grocery run.
Healthy Twist: Using ground chicken makes these meatballs a lighter, yet equally delicious, alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. This not only reduces the calorie count but also enhances the nutritional profile, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs fit seamlessly into any meal plan. Their versatility allows them to be paired with various side dishes, from simple salads to more complex grain bowls, adapting effortlessly to different dining settings.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will find themselves reaching for seconds, making it a great way to introduce bold flavors to the little ones. The balanced spice level can be adjusted to suit all taste preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table enjoys the meal.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients into a smooth, flavorful mixture. A large bowl gives you plenty of space to mix without spilling, ensuring that every meatball is perfectly seasoned.
Baking Tray: Allows the meatballs to cook evenly and develop that lovely golden-brown color. A sturdy tray ensures even heat distribution, crucial for achieving that ideal texture and flavor.
Parchment Paper: Keeps the meatballs from sticking to the tray and makes cleanup a breeze. This simple addition saves time and effort, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the cooking process.
Measuring Spoons: Ensures the perfect balance of spices and flavors every time. Precise measurements are key to maintaining consistency, especially when balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce with other ingredients.
Oven Mitts: For safely removing your hot, delicious creations from the oven. Protecting your hands is crucial, and a good pair of mitts will give you the confidence to handle hot trays with ease.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Sauce
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
Instructions
Set the oven to 400 degrees. This temperature is perfect for cooking the meatballs quickly while ensuring they stay juicy inside.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, buffalo sauce, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Use your hands or a spatula for thorough mixing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Grab about tablespoon-sized scoops of the chicken mixture, roll into balls, and place on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. You should be able to make about 20 meatballs. Keeping them uniform in size ensures even cooking.
Bake for about 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Simply cook until golden brown and cooked through in the middle. Flipping helps achieve a uniform golden crust on each meatball.
While the meatballs are cooking, combine the melted butter and buffalo sauce until smooth. This sauce will coat the meatballs, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to a mixing bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss until all meatballs are coated evenly. This step ensures each meatball is perfectly sauced, adding to their irresistible appeal.
Serve with fresh veggie sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing. Enjoy! The cool, crisp veggies and creamy dressings balance the heat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 25 minutes • Calories: 150 per serving • Servings: 4
Note: For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce in the meatballs or serve with extra ranch dressing to cool the heat. Adjusting the spice level ensures everyone can enjoy these meatballs, regardless of their heat preference.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
Ground Chicken: A lean protein source that keeps the dish light yet satisfying. It’s rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium, promoting overall health while keeping calorie counts in check.
Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce: Adds a spicy kick without overwhelming, enhancing metabolism. The capsaicin in the sauce not only provides heat but also boosts metabolism and can aid in digestion.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides a light, crispy texture, making each bite a delightful experience. Unlike regular bread crumbs, panko absorbs less oil, keeping the meatballs light and airy.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a subtle aroma, boosting the flavor profile while offering antioxidants. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to enhance heart health.
Parsley: Not just a garnish, it brings a fresh note to the dish and is rich in vitamins. Parsley is packed with vitamin K and antioxidants, offering more than just a pop of color.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
Celery Sticks: A classic partner that adds a refreshing crunch to balance the spice. Their crisp texture and subtle flavor make them a perfect palate cleanser between bites.
Blue Cheese Dressing: Offers a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the heat perfectly. This rich dressing brings out the best in the spicy buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
Ranch Dressing: A mild, cooling dip that tames the spiciness, ideal for those less fond of heat. Its creamy texture and herby flavors make it a universally loved choice.
Cold Beer: Enhances the flavors while providing a refreshing finish to each bite. The carbonation and malt flavors in beer pair beautifully with the spicy, savory meatballs.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs as fresh and delicious as the day you made them, follow these storage tips. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a quick snack, reheat them in the microwave or oven until warm. You can also repurpose them into a hearty sandwich or a topping for a vibrant salad. The possibilities are endless and deliciously easy peasy!
Consider making a buffalo chicken meatball sub by placing them in a crusty roll with some cheese and extra buffalo sauce. Alternatively, slice them up and toss them into a pasta dish or a grain bowl for a quick and satisfying lunch. These meatballs are incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with how you enjoy them.
There’s truly nothing like the warmth and satisfaction of creating a homemade dish that brings smiles to those you love. These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs have a special way of turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary, all thanks to the love and care you put into each step. Whether you’re sharing them with family, serving them at a party, or simply treating yourself, remember that every bite is a celebration of the cozy, heartwarming joy that only home-cooked meals can bring. Happy cooking, dear friends!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl add the ground chicken, buffalo sauce, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Grab about tablespoon sized scoops of the chicken mixture, roll into balls, and place on a parchment paper lined baking tray. You should be able to make about 20 meatballs.
- Bake for about 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Simply cook until golden brown and cooked through on the middle.
- While the meatballs are cooking combine the melted butter and buffalo sauce until smooth.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to a mixing bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss until all meatballs are coated evenly.
- Serve with fresh veggie sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing. Enjoy!
